Carnation plant named `CFPC Nugget`

ABSTRACT

A new dwarf carnation plant suitable for growing in pots producing flowers of light yellow coloration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct dwarf variety ofcarnation plant which was originated by me in a controlled breedingprogram by my crossing as seed and pollen parents, two proprietary,unnamed and unpatented seedlings of my creation. The varietaldenomination of this new carnation is `CFPC Nugget`.

Among the novel combination of characteristics possessed by the newvariety which distinguishes it are dwarf growth habit not requiringapplication of growth retardants tolerance to temperatures as high as120° F. and as low as 10° F. and ability to produce flower buds thatwill open in a home environment with moderate light conditions. Flowersof the new variety are of an attractive light yellow coloration.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Salinas, Calif., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

Unlike preceding pot carnations, i.e., Lillipots (Sakata), RockyMountain Series (Goldsbury C.S.U.), and knight Series (Goldsmith SeedCo.), CFPC pot carnations were selected and bred from indoor cut-typesand are best grown under cover. The Lillipots etc. were bred fromoutdoor garden-types and species and are best grown outdoors, The CFPCpot varieties are dwarf due to a homozygous recessive dwarfing gene. Ifcrossed to the aforementioned "pot-types", the resultant progeny returnsto tall cut seedlings.

The Lillipots and Knight Series are seed crops. The Rocky Mountain andEuropean pot varieties (cuttings) are no longer commercially available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety depicted in color as nearly trueas it is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration ofthis character. Although propagation by side shoot cuttings isdescribed, other known methods of asexual reproduction may also be usedto reproduce `CFPC Nugget`.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with the Royal Horticultural Society ColorChart (RHSCC). The terminology used in color description herein refersto plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Color designationsand color descriptions may deviate from the stated values depending uponvarying environmental, seasonal and cultural conditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Salinas, Calif. The height of plant andflower and foliage size are established as an average using standardcommercial cultural practices. Where general terms such as average,normal, ordinary, etc., are used, characteristics so described are notconsidered distinguishing.

Name: CFPC Nugget.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Carnation, dwarf, pot type.

Parentage:

Female parent.--Unnamed seedling (No. 890445).

Male parent.--Unnamed seedling (No. 890397).

Plant:

Height.--About 8 inches.

Growing habit.--Herbaceous, semi-upright, pot plant.

Blooming habit.--As a spray.

Blooming season.--Year round.

Rooting time.--About 13 days.

Mutation prone.--No.

Disease resistance.--Good.

Temperature tolerance.--120° F. to 10° F.

Breaking action.--Good, about 12 on average.

Foliage:

Color.--Upper side: Near 139A. Lower side: Near 142C.

Size.--About 3-inches.

Quantity.--Numerous.

Shape.--Lanceolate.

Texture.--Smooth.

Ribs.--Central, Keeled.

Arrangement.--Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem color.--Green.

Bud:

Shape.--Oval.

Color.--Green.

Length.--About 1-inch.

Diameter.--About 1/2-inch.

Calyx:

Number of sepals.--About 6.

Length.--About 1/2-inch.

Width.--About 1/4-inch.

Color.--Outside -- near 145A. Inside -- near 145C.

Bloom:

Shape.--Round.

Size.--Diameter average: About 11/2 inches. Depth average: About 1-inch.

Borne.--As a spray.

Color.--General tonality: Light yellow. Upper side: Near 2C. Lower side:Near 1D. Center: Near 1C. Outer petals: Near 2C.

Keeping quality.--Very good, 3 to 4 weeks on plant.

Fragrance.--Fragrant.

Petals:

Number.--About 21.

Outer petals.--Length: About 1-inch. Width: About 1/2-inch.

Central petals.--Length: About 1/2-inch. Width: About 1/3-inch.

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Fan shaped.

Appearance.--Shiny.

Reproductive organs:

Stamens.--Number: About 16. Arrangement: Around the ovary.

Anthers.--Length: About 1/8-inch. Color: Near 160A.

Filaments.--Length: About 1-inch. Color: Near 157A.

Pistil.--Number: About 3. Color: Near 160D. Length: About 1/3-inch.

Stigma.--Number: About 3. Color: Near 160C.

Ovary.--Shape: Conical. Color: Base -- green. Body -- green. Apex --tannish -- yellow.

Fertility.--Female -- good. Male -- poor.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct dwarf variety of carnation plant named`CFPC Nugget`, substantially as shown and described.